Specific gravity is best described as what?

Specific gravity is defined as the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of water at a specified temperature, typically 4°C, where water has its maximum density. It indicates how many times denser the substance is when compared to water. This concept is vital in various applications, particularly in materials science and engineering, including the field of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), as it helps in evaluating the quality and characteristics of asphalt materials.

By understanding specific gravity in this way, one can better assess how asphalt mixtures will perform in terms of stability, durability, and overall performance in paving applications. Specific gravity is essential in calculating voids in aggregates and understanding the compaction of asphalt mixtures, which are crucial factors in achieving optimal performance in road construction and maintenance.